Hey guys, so today I had to up on a steep roof to clean some windows and it was kinda of scary. I have a harness and fall protection gear. But rarely use it because it would require installing anchor points in the roof. And 50 feet of rope isn’t enough to be tight off from the other side of the house. So most of the time, I try not to fall off the roof and get my job quickly. Anyways, I was wondering if anyone has some good ideas of how to make dangerous roof work a little safer without causing damage to the customer’ home? Is there a harness that is better suited for windows cleaner? What kind of fall arrest system would ideal for our line of work? Thanks for your help and suggestions
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you also have to be rescued quickly or the gear itself can kill you. if it’s risky just say no.
Fall protection for Res Window Cleaning is almost impossible. Its the nature of the beast.
I have become increasingly aware of my balance and transitioning from ladder to roof over the years. I have always been comfortable with heights but understand that a fall can happen to anyone and without warning. Its important when on a roof to stop and say " Ok wait slow down " and be focused on the work and your position on the roof and the edge. Slippery areas.
Be safe !
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I have had some exterior jobs where the roof pitch was too sketchy for me. If I can’t safely lean out the window to clean it or reach it with my WFP it gets marked as “Uncleanable”.
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For widows over a pitch too steep to walk on and too dirty for a WFP, you might try getting as close as possible with a ladder, then trad pole it with a bronze wool sleeve and 0° squeegee. (Contour pro+ is my preference.)
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There is noting wrong with saying to a customer. Those ,or that one just isn’t worth it for me to dangerous. Take some money off the bill. Period the end !!
98% of the time they’re fine with it.
Just did a house yesterday. With 5 sky lights. I don’t do the insides anymore. I very rarely lose a job because of it. I maybe lost one in the last few years.
Also yesterday there was a storm window with the screws. Nope … not taking that out. Sorry
She understood !! Told her on the estimate have it out if you want me to clean it. She still had me cone an do the rest of her windows.
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I agree with saying no. If you tell a customer that there isn’t a way to clean it safely, it’s pretty hard to argue. If they want you to risk your safety, then you don’t want them as a customer.
We just had one on Friday with a skylight that we said no to. Told them the roof isn’t safe to walk, and it’s too far up to WFP, so there’s no way to clean it safely. All good.
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Absolutely… And what’s deemed dangerous to me you might yawn at , an Vica Verca , as a professional you know your limits , an know what your willing to do an not do case closed. Who cares what anyone else thinks. Don’t let anyone talk you into something your not comfortable with. Case closed !
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